Rotational angle detection with torsional quasi-zero stiffness design: precise mechanical sensing for energy harvesting

Abstract

During mechanical energy harvesting, complicated mechanical loads are expected to be converted into electrical energy types, including compression, extension, torque, and the coupling of them. Mechanical energy harvesting evaluation is necessary, and it is normally applied by precise mechanical sensing, such as strain gauges and piezoelectric materials. The additional and changing equivalent stiffness of the sensing approach decreases the mechanical sensing precision, and then the energy harvesting evaluation is affected. This study introduces a method for torsional sensing with torsional quasi-zero stiffness (TQZS) structures by flexoelectricity. By designing the bending beam geometry, a structure with an extended TQZS range is developed, enabling enhanced mechanical and electrical performance. Within the TQZS loading range, the generated flexoelectric charges exhibit a robust linear relationship with structural deformation, providing precise monitoring capabilities for torsion-related mechanical quantities. By leveraging flexoelectric effect, the proposed structure also converts mechanical load into electrical signal, making it suitable for high-resolution sensing, helping energy harvesting applications.

Keywords

Torsional quasi-zero stiffness / flexoelectricity / energy harvesting / mechanical sensing

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